2009-03-31. Assistantship - Innovating in the fast-developing knowledge markets for eco-technologies

(last updated: 31 March 2009 - check for update. Printer-friendly (one page) under Firefox)
http://eco-innovation.net/ecol; http://ecollab.eco-innovation.net

** POSITION NOW FILLED - EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST STILL WELCOME **

Eco Innovation has been inviting applications from individuals with skills and interest in innovative communication for eco-technologies (elements of rationale: concept, policy). The tasks below are to be further prioritised, and carried out collaboratively.

Mission

1. Support the production of an innovative online collaboration platform (eCollab) for current and prospective clients: develop, test and revise tutorials; prepare views for demonstration, communication, and marketing purposes.
2. Support the preparation of teaching material for a Master level course in sustainable agriculture & policy.
3. Support the execution of anticipated contracts on info-marketing for selected eco-tech. (eco-nappies, etc).
4. Contribute to ecoL's strategic watch: identify and approach potential targets of our products.
5. Contribute to ecoL's competition watch: identify products competing with Eco Innovation's products (eCollab, ecoLearn, ecoLabel) and expand our observatory of educational tools for eco-technologies (a database reviewing relevant / competing products according to selected criteria).
6. Support Eco Innovation's migration to Belgium: consolidate statutes and missions, participate in practical and strategic tasks (accounts, intellectual property...), liaise with local organisations, participate in fundraising.
7. Contribute to Eco Innovation's report of activity and other communication initiatives (newsletters, etc), and engage Eco Innovation's international network: consolidate membership, collect / share / use information.
8. Contribute to the development and communication of our business plan, and to the inception of future projects in R&D, education, marketing.

Skills & qualifications required

1. Higher education degree (minimum Master or equiv.) in science (any relevant field) and/or experience in research.
2. Proficient use of English. Knowledge of French and/or additional language(s): an asset.
3. Familiarity (or strong aptitude in dealing) with online content management systems (CMS).
4. Demonstrated experience and/or interest in communication, knowledge management & transfer, CMS, etc.
5. Demonstrated experience in sustainable development issues, and motivation for eco-innovative approaches (http://eco-innovation.net/what-are-eco-innovations) to those issues.
6. Strong capacity for mining, digesting and organising information. Experience in teaching and scientific writing an asset.
7. Proficient use of computer keyboard (touch-typing, 200-300 char. / min.), and of common word-processing, tabulating, bibliographical software. Drawing / multimedia skills (creating, organising, editing): a strong asset.
8. Attention to details, capacity to work in autonomy as well as in team, and to report on progress. Experience in multicultural collaborative environment.
   

This position entails

1. Six month contract with full benefits under Belgian law, renewable under conditions, with potential for rapid evolution.
2. Participation in the development of a startup at the cutting edge of education for sustainable development.
3. Risks associated with startups: strong presumption, but no guarantee, of success.
4. Opportunities associated with startups include: learning, creative development of Eco Innovation's potential, engaging in research (e.g., doctorate), and networking with Eco Innovation remote and local partners such as the Ecole Interfacultaire de Bio-ingénieurs at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.
5. Offices hosted in a multicultural, dynamic and innovation-friendly entrepreneurial incubator in Brussels.

Application

Cover letter, CV, sample writing, and details of 2 referees to Frédéric Morand (frederic.morand [at] eco-innovation.net).
Contact same for informal inquiries. Position open until filled.